The 300cc two-stroke class has largely been the domain of older riders from an oil / fuel mixing background . Normally they are offroad competitors who want light , powerful and easy to ride machines in all conditions ... from extreme mud and rocky terrain , to open , flowing blasting . Trail riders want a machine with the same attributes . Lately , younger riders have discovered the beauty of the humble two-stroke engine too . Their inherent abilities of light weight and rideability have made them the bike of choice for the growing popularity of extreme style events too . Some years ago , the choice was slim in the 300cc market , but now we have five different brands with models that all have individual personalities . Sure , three of them are basically Austrian , but they are different to ride . The fact that five companies how make 300s is a clear vote of confidence in their abilities and market appeal . Which brings us to the new kid on the block ... well , by NZ standards – the French manufactured Sherco 300 SE Factory ... and this machine is awesome – very much a cat amongst the pigeons ! I rode the Sherco in very wet conditions which very quickly exposed two traits . Firstly , the engine is excellent and , secondly , the intermediate tyres , especially the front , were not ideally suited to the friction less soil . The engine is a winner . Very smooth and linear , but powerful with a choice of two modes . The aggressive map is noticeably sharper , more